Book Review- Jeffery Deaver- The Empty Chair

Jeffery Deaver- The Empty Chair (Pocket Books 2005) 3.75 Stars

Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are asked to assist a small town police force in hunting down a brilliant kidnapper aptly named Insect Boy. Finding the boy may not be so difficult, but keeping him within their grasp may just be the toughest thing they have ever done. This may be their toughest case yet, pitting these allies on opposite sides.

Although The Empty Chair is described as a thriller, I feel it fits better into the mystery genre. I enjoyed the brilliance of the Insect Boy and loved the fun facts about insects. The characters I felt were kind of weak, and some of the events were not all that plausible. That being said I think that the plot is well done and keeps the reader’s interest at all times. I also enjoyed the section right before the end, as it was very creative.

I recommend The Empty Chair to mystery lovers and Deaver fans.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Eric Wilson- Spirit in the Rainforest

Eric Wilson- Spirit in the Rainforest (HarperCollins 2003) 3.5 Stars

Tom Austen is on summer holidays in British Columbia when he discovers the mysterious Nearby Island. Haunted by ghostly voices and a strange hermit Nearby Island is avoided by all locals. Tom and Liz Austen take shelter in the forest and are afraid that this may be one mystery they are not brave enough to solve.

This mystery was slightly disappointing for me. The actual mystery was only a very tiny portion of the book (maybe 15%), which was not what I was hoping for. It took me a really long time to actually figure out what the point of the novel was. It was also the weakest character development I have seen from Eric Wilson yet. That being said it does take place in British Columbia where I was born and raised for many years, and continued to spend most summers and many Christmases at after I left (including a week of this past summer). The BC factor has given it some bonus points as it brought back some memories and made me want to return to beautiful British Columbia. It also had a great educational factor in the book, which is great for kids.

I am afraid that I can only recommend Spirit in the Rainforest to Eric Wilson fans.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Jeffrey Archer- A Prisoner of Birth

Jeffrey Archer- A Prisoner of Birth (St. Martin’s Press 2008) 3.5 Stars

Danny Cartwright just proposed to Beth Wilson, his pregnant girlfriend, and life seemed so perfect. Suddenly though he finds himself arrested and charged for a murder he did not commit. When four well-respected witnesses testify against him, one of whom is actually guilty, he is sentenced to twenty-two years in prison. The four think that they have gotten away with it, but they underestimated Danny and Beth’s determination and ability to get their revenge.

Not an Archer fan I was happy to find one of his books that I could enjoy. A Prisoner of Birth was a fairly good book. The plot was very interesting and intriguing. I did find that a couple of parts were a little bit farfetched, but still enjoyable. Danny was a deep and complex character, but was the only character I felt was developed for the reader. Some sections were slow, but I found that if you pushed past them you found out important details. I liked the European setting that was explored as it was not the parts of London books and movies often focus on.

I recommend A Prisoner of Birth to anyone looking for a good drama and any Archer fans.

For more of my book reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- James Lee Burke- In the Moon of Red Ponies

James Lee Burke- In the Moon of Red Ponies (Pocket Books 2005) 3.5 Stars

Billy Bob Holland is a lawyer that used to be a Texas Ranger. Wyatt Dixon, a psychopathic killer who Holland had a run-in with in a previous book, has been released from prison. Although he claims to have changed, Holland does not believe him, but Dixon is not the greatest of his worries. He is representing a Native American activist who has discovered a ring of corruption, blackmail, and even murder, now he must find a way to save his client and figure out what is going on.

There was something about the intro pages that I just loved, it drew me in and made me want to read more. Holland is the kind of character that you cannot help but love, he is a hard-nosed, no nonsense kind of man who will do anything to see justice done. I did find that the rest of the characters were a little bit weak however. I also found that at times I was kind of wondering at the point of the scenes, but most scenes had there point if you could figure out what was going on, which Holland eventually put together, although not magically out of thin air like in some books.

I recommend In the Moon of Red Ponies to mystery/thriller fans, or those who enjoy Burke’s novels.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Steven James- The Rook

Steven James- The Rook (Revell 2008) 3.5 Stars

Patrick Bowers is investigating a bunch of fires in San Diego that end up leading to a deeper chain of events. A killer is on the loose at the very same time and it appears that they may be connected. Patrick Bowers will get to the bottom of everything…even if it’s the last thing he does.

The Rook took a little bit to get into, and I felt it was little bit weaker written than The Pawn. Overall I did enjoy the book and love how Bowers’ mind works. The details always seem to be obscure and it takes a while for Bowers to connect the dots. I was a little annoyed with how much James focuses on the family aspect, it gets to be too overbearing. The strength in James’ writing is always in the depth of his characters, he does such a great job of creating them.

I would recommend this book to James fans, and thriller/mystery lovers.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Patricia Cornwell- Body of Evidence

Patricia Cornwell- Body of Evidence (Avon Books 1992) 3.25 Stars

Kay Scarpetta is a Chief Medical Examiner who has come across the murder of a noted novelist. As she becomes more involved she discovers people from the novelists past start to die as well. It doesn’t take long before the serial killer’s attention focuses on her. Can she solve the case and catch the killer before his attraction has the same fate as the novelist?

Not usually a fan of Cornwell, I decided to give Body of Evidence a try and was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the mystery work done by Kay Scarpetta, it showed a well-thought out plot. Kay is a likable main character, she is smart, quick witted, funny at times, and will not take crap from anybody. I also liked Marino the supporting character as the professional relationship between them was interesting enough to keep the book going. I did find that at times the book could be quite dry, but if I pushed passed those sections it did get better again. I also found that it could be kind of predictable, but not so much that you figured out exactly how it was going to play out.

I would recommend Body of evidence to Cornwell fans and mystery readers.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Michael Crichton- Airframe

Michael Crichton- Airframe (Ballantine Book 1997) 3.25 Stars

When a jumbo jet careens out of control over the Pacific Ocean it injures 56 and kills 3. The question now is not only why did it happen, but who is responsible; is it the pilot or the airline manufacturer. Casey Singleton has been assigned the job of answering that question and she intends to do it, even if it means losing her job or ending up dead.

Crichton is a very skilled author, but I find it difficult to get into some of his books. Airframe had the plot to be a very good novel, but in some places I found that it was lacking finesse. The characters were kind of weak with the exception of Casey, the main character. The settings were also lacking as they weren’t really described too much, he left most of that to your own mind. I was hoping for a little bit more when I started reading this and ended up disappointed.

I recommend Airframe to Crichton fans only.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Mark Twain- The Prince and the Pauper

Mark Twain- The Prince and the Pauper (Baronet Books) 3.75 Stars

Two young boys from completely opposite standings meet unexpectedly. Edward Tudor is the heir to England’s throne, while Tom Canty is a beggar, both look nearly identical. They decide to switch positions temporarily and the adventure begins, as both of them find out what it is like to live someone else’s life.

This is another one of those timeless classics kids should read. This story is the telling of the saying ‘life isn’t always greener on the other side’. It is interesting to see how the boys deal with the situations they are put in and how they are both happy to go back to their old lives in the end. The characters are rich and beautifully crafted by a wonderful writer.

I recommend The Prince and the Pauper to every one of all ages.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- James Patterson- Pop Goes the Weasel

Book Review- James Patterson- Pop Goes the Weasel

James Patterson- Pop Goes the Weasel (Warner Books 2000) 3.75 Stars

Alex Cross is finally engaged, and yes it is to Christine! Cross is after British diplomat Geoffrey Shafer, a serial killer having fun while playing a deadly game of dice. For the first time we see Cross in court trying to prove Shafer’s guilt, which may not be as easy as it seems. The two go back and forth moving and counter-moving, all in the effort to gain control of the situation.

Once again I enjoyed Alex Cross. He is a very deep and lovable character. I do get a little bit tired of how most of his serial killers seem to somehow involve his family. I am sure that this does happen, but not as much as Patterson is making it seem. The villain was very interesting as well, as we knew who it was the whole way through, which Patterson does not always do. The case work and investigative skill of Alex Cross was intriguing to read about and watch how his mind works out the details. I wasn’t as fond of the ending as it didn’t quite seem realistic, but up until that point I was enjoying the book immensely.

I recommend Pop Goes the Weasel to Patterson/Alex Cross fans, and mystery/thriller enthusiasts.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Steven James- The Pawn

Steven James- The Pawn (Revell 2007) 4.75 Stars

Bowers has been called to North Carolina to assist the police in hunting down a serial killer. Little does he know that the killer, the Illusionist, has suddenly taken a keen interest in the man sent in to find him. As Bowers investigates, he discovers that the Illusionist always seems to be just a few steps ahead of them, and that there may be more to the killings than had been originally apparent.

I was very impressed with The Pawn. The book grabbed my attention and refused to let up. The book took many unexpected turns which intrigued me, so that I never knew what to expect at any given time. The depth of the characters was also very impressive, I felt that I could meet them and know them already. The description of the setting seemed so picturesque and beautiful it made me want visit North Carolina. I can only hope that the sequel is just as well done.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers and mysteries.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Charles Dickens- Oliver Twist

Charles Dickens- Oliver Twist (Baronet Books) 4 Stars

Oliver Twist, a poor orphan boy mistreated everywhere he goes, decides to run away to London. There he meets Fagin and his gang of thieves and pickpockets. In an attempt to gain what he wants most, a family, he befriends a victim of Fagin’s robbery.

This is a great classic that I found more enjoyable as a version aimed at children. I cannot help myself but to fall in love with the wonderful young boy, Oliver Twist. Misfortune seems to follow him about. The ending is one that I love as it shows hope, truly a heart-warming tale of life as a poor orphan boy.

I recommend this classic to all readers of middle reader level to the elderly.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquenbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Jeffery Deaver- Hard News

Jeffery Deaver- Hard News (Bantam Books 2001) 3.5 Stars

Rune is tired of being a simple cameragirl and wants to move on to the big times, Current Events. What she has discovered might just get her there, or it could get her fired. Randy Boggs claims to be innocent and that he should not be in prison, Rune believes him. Her story about him might just get him free, but someone else does not want the story to come out. Prison life for Boggs has suddenly gotten to hot to handle and Rune must avoid letting the story kill her.

With a great sounding storyline I expected a little bit more from Deaver, don’t get me wrong it was a good book just not as good as I had hoped. The characters were filled with depth and I loved Rune as she wasn’t your typical main character. A couple of sections were a little bit disappointing as they just didn’t add up to what they could have. On the other hand it was great to look at her struggling to raise a child that is not hers, while still trying to do her job. The action scenes were also very intriguing. I also enjoyed the very end of the book as it was kind of different, but the early ending was not so great, I’d tell you why but that might spoil it for you.

I recommend Hard News to Deaver fans, people who like books about reporters, and thriller fans.

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Aal Christiansen- Submarine Killer

Aal Christiansen- Submarine Killer (Spitfire Books 1967) 3.75 Stars

Slugger Burton has been given an assignment and he’s going to complete it, even if he must gain control of his crew with an iron fist. He must take his ship, H.M.S. Alice, and rescue soldiers trapped along the coast of Greece during an evacuation of forces running from advancing German lines. Getting there will be the hard part though, having to battle submarines and dive bombers.

I was kind of surprised to find a war book aimed at middle readers, which was why I picked Submarine Killer up. Slugger Burton is a very interesting character, although he seems to be the only character that you really get to know. The descriptions of the battles were well done and perfect for the middle reader level. I found the plot to be quite fast-paced and enjoyable, especially for if you were a young reader. It contains words easy enough for the young readers, and yet has some that will challenge their vocabulary skills.

I recommend Submarine Killer to young readers in search of action or war books.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Lee Child- Die Trying

Lee Child- Die Trying (Jove 2005) 4 Stars

Jack Reacher stops to help a lady and finds himself kidnapped along with the woman. Handcuffed in the back of a truck, he finds himself taken across the States. When he finally finds out what the ransom is he cannot believe what he hears. He knows that he must get both the woman and him out before it is too late, even if it means his death.

This book was fairy fast–paced and action-filled. I enjoyed reading it. The plot was great, although I am not sure if all of it was completely plausible, hence the lower star-count than the last book. The villains in this novel were very interesting and although they were the ones against Reacher, I couldn’t help but enjoy the scenes containing their characters. The setting was wonderful and went across many States, ending up in one not seen in a lot of books, I will not say which one as it would give away some of the plot.

I recommend this novel to Lee Child fans, or anyone looking for a good thriller.

For more of my reviews, check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Vote my book as Reader's Choice Award!

As you all know I had my book published last fall. Well now I have been entered in the Saskatchewan Book Awards in the category of Reader's Choice Award, this category is quite full with titles, so I need your help. Please vote for my book Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping. The award is worth $2,000 so your help would really be appreciated.

The winner of this award is the book which receives the most votes during the voting period which this year is September 1 to September 30, 2009.
Voting takes place online at the Regina Public Library's website: http://www.reginalibrary.ca/ <http://www.reginalibrary.ca/>

or printed Ballots may be placed in the ballot boxes set up at any participating SK Public Library.

Thank you all so much!

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/KidsOnACase.html